NOV. 10 I MUSICIAN’S FRIEND I CORPORATE
Eastman Steps Down, Johnson Steps Up

Musician’s Friend, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, announced on Nov. 6 that company founder Robert Eastman will be stepping down from his day-to-day functions and assuming the role of chairman emeritus, effective Jan. 1, 2009. Craig Johnson will fill the position of CEO. Eastman will continue to have a presence within the company, serving as an advisor to Johnson.

“For several years, we have been building a world-class management team,” Eastman said. “With a solid management team in place, I decided that at the end of the year I will move into a chairman emeritus role and that Craig Johnson will become CEO. I look forward to getting to spend more time with my family and having time to travel and, of course, go fishing!”

Johnson assumes his new role as CEO after serving as Musician’s Friend’s president and chief operating officer for the last two and a half years. He previously served as the company’s executive vice president of merchandising and marketing and senior vice president of merchandising. His background with Musician’s Friend and other companies — including Oriental Trading, Golfsmith International, Coldwater Creek, Time Warner and others — has given him experience in distribution, supply management and direct marketing.

musiciansfriend.com